The Washburn valley, north of Otley in Yorkshire is house to a collection of Reservoirs. Lindley Wooden Reservoir is the bottom and nearest to Otley itself.
Additional up the valley there may be Fewston & Swinsty Reservoirs and additional up once more is one other good stroll round Thruscross Reservoir. Each single one is gorgeous however you will see that that right here at Lindley Wooden is much less busy and but simply as lovely to stroll round.
As I lived close to it for a 12 months or so it turned an amazing native stroll for me this round. The canine liked it. The number of it was spectacular and each season introduced one thing new within the valley.
This reservoir will not be off street foot-pathed all the way in which round its quick perimeter however this specific 6 mile stroll retains you away from the street in the primary in addition to letting you see the entire space from above, beneath and in addition beside the water.
Parking
This stroll has many locations you can use as a place to begin however by far the best I discover is simply off Newell Carr Highway/Weston Roor Highway. The street that leads up out of Otley and heads over to Blubberhouses.
If heading up from Otley go nicely previous the turnoff for Clifton. The street will do a pointy proper after which a pointy left. Late in that left bend you will notice a layby on the precise for round 4 or 5 vehicles. That is the small free automobile park. Grid reference: SE 195 492
Setting Off
It is a stroll that I’ve no desire both clockwise or anticlockwise. You get an exquisite stroll and expertise both approach. Simply bear in mind you’re parked on the highest level of the stroll so there’ll at all times be a uphill sooner or later even when the beginning is simple going.
From the automobile park take the lane that leads away from the primary street and heads down and down. Dob Park Highway.
Dob Park Bridge
After a mile or so you’ll attain the tip of the street and are available to one in all my favorite secret settings. The Ford and Dob Park Bridge.
That is an outdated seventeenth Century packhorse bridge and actually remains to be wanting nice. The canine like to paddle right here within the shallow water and there are benches to sit down and benefit from the view from.
Heading To Lindley Wooden
After crossing the bridge flip proper and as an alternative of following the lane up and left, head straight on alongside the trail by means of the gate.
Right here you’ll go alongside the facet of the River Washburn by means of pastures and woody areas. It’s wondrously quiet right here and in the summertime months is awash with color.
Beside The Reservoir
Ultimately you’ll come to the B6451 and the highest, northern finish of Lindley Wooden Reservoir. Flip left and thoroughly cross the street bridge.
Instantly after the bridge, flip proper and alongside the forest monitor beside Lindley Wooden Reservoir itself.
It’s all alongside the japanese stretch now that you may benefit from the waterside and the forest. An enormous tip from me is to do that stroll in Spring. It turns into filled with bluebells, a complete sea of color.
The canine actually do take pleasure in this stretch. Within the bushes, within the water and lots to discover off lead.
It’s by no means overly busy too so you’ll be able to take pleasure in a couple of pretty miles just about to your self.
Turning Up And Away From The Reservoir
On the backside finish of the reservoir you’ll come out onto a small lane. Flip proper, throughout the little street bridge and proper once more, following the lane uphill. After about half a mile you will notice a gate and stile in your proper because the street turns left. Take the trail to the precise and thru the fields.
On the far finish of those fields you’ll come to a important street. Go straight throughout and over the stile on the alternative facet. From right here you’re in massive broad open fields which have nice views right down to the reservoir beneath.
The trail sweep spherical the large discipline to the left after which over a giant stile. Pete had problem on this one and one way or the other bought hie over. Malc was advantageous in fact he simply leaped it.
After the tall stile, search for a small tree space in your proper, you need to flip proper actually simply earlier than the bushes. Be careful, this bit will get muddy and marshy.
Maintain wanting again as you get some beautiful views. Almscliffe Crag makes an look on the horizon too.
You’ll then come to a monitor, flip left and comply with all of it the way in which round and up by a farm. You’ll then come to a gate to a pathway straight on. It will take you up by means of sheep fields on excessive that take you all the way in which up again to the automobile park layby.
This part is nice in a morning as you get some beautiful sunsets over the underside of the valley within the course of Leeds and otley.
Route Particulars and GPX
Distance: 6 miles
Problem: Average
Obtain the GPX of Lindley wooden Round Stroll
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